Source Sought Notice 23R0024 LS and FS Instructor Support Services USASSI 20 June 2023.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Learning Architect, Faculty and Staff Instructor Support Services

INTRODUCTION

The Mission Installation Contracting Command located at 4340 Magruder Avenue on Fort Jackson is issuing this sources sought synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support the requirement for instructor support and training support services located at the Soldier Support Institute on Fort Jackson. The intention is to procure these services on a competitive basis.

DISCLAIMER

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A “REQUEST

FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)” TO BE SUBMITTED. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND

SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY

FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A

CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR

PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY

RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. RESPPONSES

WILL NOT BE RETURNED TO THE RESPONDER. NOT RESPONDING TO THIS NOTICE DOES NOT

PRECLUDE PARTICIPATION IN ANY FUTURE REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ) OR INVITATION FOR

BID (IFB) OR RFP, IF ANY ISSUED. IF A SOLICITATION IS RELEASED, IT WILL BE SYNOPSIZED ON

THE GOVERNMENT-WIDE POINT OF ENTRY (GPE). IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF POTENTIAL

OFFERORS TO MONITOR THE GPE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMMATION PERTAINING TO THIS

REQUIREMENT.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

The instructor support and training support services at the Soldier Support Institute (SSI), is designated as the proponent for the institutional education, training, and doctrine support of all Adjutant General (AG), Finance and Comptroller (FC), and Army School of Music (ASOM) Advanced Individual Training (AIT), Advanced Leader’s Course (ALC), Senior Leader’s Course (SLC), Basic Officer Leader’s Course (BOLC), and Advanced Courses (WOAC) on Fort Jackson. In accordance with these assignments, the instructor’s provides the following: teach SSI Facility and Staff classes. Learning Architects will design, develop, and produce Interactive Multimedia Instruction, using cross-platform hypermedia and high-end authoring software. This specialist will evaluate media and product requirements to determine the most appropriate graphic design strategy and determine the placement and appearance of visual and audio elements. The Contractor will create original graphic designs or illustrations for assigned AG/FC or Master Fitness Training projects; review and revise SSI lesson plans and other training and education products, advise SSI staff and faculty on training, prepare training and education materials for IMT/PME/functional courses. The Facility and Staff Instructor will teach classes to newly appointed instructors and training developer on various teaching techniques and course design and development.

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

The Contractor shall provide will provide support for training execution and training development required to provide an effective and efficient training program. Instructors will perform routine instructional functions necessary to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of SSI’s military and civilian individual training mission. Faculty and Staff Branch Instructors will also be responsible for updating their assigned courseware when not teaching. Learning Architects will translate approved traditional learning products for delivery on smart devices or the web using original designs or illustrations in support of AG and FC individual collective training products and in support of SSI Leadership services in support of the areas specified in Program Background (above). Further detail is provided in the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) attached to this announcement (Attachment 1).

If your organization has the potential capacity to perform these contract services, please provide the following information: 1) Organization name, address, email address, Web site address, telephone number, and size and type of ownership for the organization; and 2) Tailored capability statements addressing the particulars of this effort, with appropriate documentation supporting claims of organizational and staff capability. If significant subcontracting or teaming is anticipated in order to deliver technical capability, organizations should address the administrative and management structure of such arrangements.

The Government will evaluate market information to ascertain potential market capacity to: 1) provide services consistent, in scope and scale, with those described in this notice and otherwise anticipated; 2) secure and apply the full range of corporate financial, human capital, and technical resources required to successfully perform similar requirements; 3) implement a successful project management plan that includes: compliance with tight program schedules; cost containment; meeting and tracking performance;

hiring and retention of key personnel and risk mitigation; and 4) provide services under a performance based service acquisition contract.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall provide personnel that have the special qualifications required to perform the required functions. Additionally, contract personnel shall possess the ability to perform the tasks outlined in Part 1.15 (Special Qualifications) of this contract.

Instructors. Faculty and Staff Branch Instructors. Faculty and Staff Branch Instructor shall have experience as a certified military instructor and training developer. Certification as a training developer is not required, but documented work experience is required. This experience may be from any service within the Department of Defense (DoD). Experience within TRADOC is preferred. Contractor personnel shall possess good working knowledge of computer operations and associated software, Microsoft Office Suite, and specified web-based applications, Blackboard and SharePoint, to accomplish all tasks associated with this contract.

Learning Architects. Learning Architects shall possess the knowledge of software engineering and management methodologies and techniques to include software requirements analysis and design methodologies, software metrics, software reuse, software documentation, independent verification and validation, and post deployment software support (PDSS); Knowledge of systems engineering, systems and software architecture concepts, computer software and hardware principles; Knowledge of the organizational and functional responsibilities and operations of the employing organization.

Ability to plan and lead execution of multi-faceted projects within established technical, financial, and time constraints. BA, BS, or 4 years of equivalent work experience preferred.

Draft wireframes and/or storyboards, mockup prototypes, and produce deliverables for assigned IMI products Design, develop and produce Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) courseware and Computer-Based Training (CBT), using cross-platform programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as well as high-end authoring software such as, but not limited to, Adobe Creative Suite, and Lectora Inspire.

Full understanding of Shareable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and courseware design while serving as the creative coordinator for IMI development. Understands a sense of story and flow mechanics and instructional design, visualize, and choreograph various dL and game-based design.

Position requires a broad working experience using XML, HTML, DHTML, and Java for programming as well as COTS game-based hardware and software products. Position requires fundamental understanding of how IMI products behave in a learning management system.

A thorough knowledge of the IMI programs, operational procedures for IMI development activities is applied in the performance of the duties. Knowledge is applied in the development and coordination of IMI programs and production of IMI standalone and simulations products.

Expert knowledge of the IMI production and programming procedures covering all phases of IMI operations to design and create new instructional standalone products or integrated into simulations.

Basic understanding of Army doctrine and training. Understanding of Game Based training and dL design. Interfaces with the DL-Gamer community (Institutional, Academic and Entertainment).

Knowledge in creating and designing graphics, animations, and interactive objects. Experience with

LightWave, LightRoom, 3D studio, Max-3D, Poser, Photoshop and the Adobe Suite, Paint Shop Pro as well a Still Print Multimedia editing. Accurately translate 2d concept art into 3d Game resolution modeling. Experience in still photography and editing.

Experience with audio and video recording and editing processes. Knowledge of Analysis, Design, Develop, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) Model. Producing successful images that tell a story, informs or educates an audience, or records an event; Reviews IMI requirement for production requirements; Advises on visual options and ensures production media quality; Locates existing audio/visual (AV) resources required; Coordinates motion and still photographic support; Coordinates AV production support; Selects photos, illustrations, specimens, or other visual materials from among those provided with the assignment or found during project research; Judges the reproducibility of the material and any enlargement or reduction necessary to achieve the specified visual effect; Integrates video and audio capability to Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) courseware; Produces video scenarios by studying lesson content and scripts; conferring with program managers to determine lesson outcomes; transporting equipment and supplies to location; positioning people, props, and equipment; Evaluates and selects scenes in terms of dramatic value and story continuity; Trims film segments to specified lengths and reassembles segments in sequence that presents story with maximum effect, or edits video tape, using editing equipment; Reviews assembled film or edited video tape on screen or monitor and makes corrections. Confers with supervisory personnel and others concerning filming of scenes; May specialize in the fields of film and video editing, such as feature, news, sound, sound effects, or music. Maintains and operates video equipment, edits select footage, and stays up to date with all new technological advances.

Demonstrated ability to build professional quality IMI products. Able to meet schedules and artistic guidelines on time in a professional environment. Detail oriented with the ability to communicate clearly. Experience that demonstrates the ability to participate in a team and work towards the successful accomplishment of a task, goal, or project. Experience with virtual worlds (Second Life).

Knowledge of methods and techniques of communicating information through visual means and ability to apply the principles of High-Level Architecture (HLA) design and integration to present subject matter expertise in a variety of 2d -3d digital forms/formats and tailored training or education to target audiences.

Personnel and Facility Security Clearances. Contractor personnel are not required to maintain a security clearance; however, they are required to pass the appropriate background check to obtaining access to the installation and the unclassified information system, as detailed in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). Contractor personnel shall comply with all applicable security and safety regulations, guidance, and procedures, including local, referenced in this PWS and in effect at the work sites. All personnel must meet requirements IAW DODD 8140.01.

Contractor personnel shall be required to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) at least ten (10) workdays prior to start of this requirement.

Contractor shall complete the Anti-Terrorism Programs within ninety (90) calendar days after commencing performance under this contract and thirty (30) calendar days for new employees. The training programs are AT Level I Training, iWATCH and Threat Awareness Training Program. All contractors and subcontractors shall be instructed to report and suspicious behavior or activity to AT Office.

Contractors and associated subcontractors who require access to Government Information System shall be registered in the Army Training Certification Tracking System (ATCTS) at commencement of support services and must complete the DoD Information Assurance Awareness prior to access to the information systems. Certificates of completion must be submitted to the Contracting Officer epresentative no later than fifteen (15) calendar days of contract award.

ELIGIBILITY

The applicable NAICS code for this requirement is 611710, Educational Support Services with a Small Business Size Standard of $24,000,000.00. The Product Service Code is U008, Education/Training- Training/Curriculum Development. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to respond; however, each respondent must clearly identify their business size in their capabilities statement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUBMISSION DETAILS (CAPABILITIES STATEMENT)

A draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) and draft Performance Requirement Summary Description are attached for review. (Attachment 1)

Interested parties are requested to submit a capabilities statement of no more than ten (10) pages in length in Arial Font of not less than 10 pitch. The deadline for response to this request is no later than 10 July 2023 at 10:00 am, Eastern Standard Time (EST). All responses under this Sources Sought Notice must be emailed to the Contract Specialist, Roger Miller at roger.d.miller.civ@army.mil.

This documentation must address at a minimum the following items:

1) What type of work has your company performed in the past in support of the same or similar requirement?

2) Can or has your company managed a task of this nature? If so, please provide details.

3) Can or has your company managed a team of subcontractors before? If so, provide details.

4) What specific technical skills does your company possess which ensure capability to perform the tasks?

5) Please note that under a Small-Business Set-Aside, in accordance with FAR 52.219-14, the small business prime must perform at least 50% of the work themselves in terms of the cost of performance.

Provide an explanation of your company’s ability to perform at least 50% of the tasking described in this PWS for the base period as well as the option periods.

6) Provide a statement including current small/large business status and company profile to include number of employees, annual revenue history, office locations, UEI number, etc.

7) Respondents to this notice also must indicate whether they qualify from the socio-economic group as a Small, Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned, HUBZone, or Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern.

8) Include in your response your ability to meet the requirements in the Facility and Safeguarding requirements.

The estimated period of performance consists of one (1) twelve (12) month base year plus two (2) twelve

(12) option periods with performance commencing in or around September 2023. Specifics regarding the number of option periods will be provided in the solicitation.

The contract type is anticipated to be Firm Fixed-Price Contract. The Level of Effort for three (3) years is estimated at 1912 man-hours for each position, the Facility & Staff Instructors and Learning Architects (Master Fitness) Instructors.

The proposed contract is anticipated to include tasking that would be accomplished by labor categories that are subject to the Service Contract Act Wage Rates or a collective bargaining agreement.

Upon evaluation of the capability statements, if it is determined that this requirement will be an unrestricted competition, the Government intends to evaluate the Small-Business responses and conduct further market research to identify a subcontracting goal.

Your response to this Sources Sought, including any capabilities statement, shall be electronically submitted to the Contract Specialist, Roger Miller, in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF), via email roger.d.miller.civ@army.mil.

All data received in response to this Sources Sought that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government.

No phone calls will be accepted.

All questions must be submitted to the contract specialist identified above. The Government is not committed nor obligated to pay for the information provided, and no basis for claims against the Government shall arise as a result of a response to this Sources Sought.